Media Has Taken Over The World!

How Media Enslaves Us and How to Fight Back.

Media Has Taken Over The World!

How Media Enslaves Us and How to Fight Back.

What is Media? Media Literacy?

Media is the news source we obtain from society. Accessing media can be done by newspapers and technology, such as our phones, TVs, and computers. Media is news that is going around the world, like the whereabouts of ISIS, the updates on the Kardashians, and the effects of global warming. The media can be like a Sour Patch, “First they’re sour, and then they’re sweet”. Media is a good way citizens can keep in touch with the outside world; a way the people can associate their daily pains with other similar countries. The media helps us know the weather, possible terrorist attacks, and gives us entertainment. Unfortunately, our world isn’t perfect.

Media has deformed our depictions of many things due to constant change in society. Media drains off of the wealthy; so it constantly replays the bad events that celebrities or known people had done in the past. Today, young girls are now neglecting their bodies to fit into the “norm” of what a female’s body should be. The media twists the idea of things; whether it be TV shows that depict psycho love lines with innocent women and bad men or the commercials that show a woman’s sexual appeal. We live in a world where society and media are hand in hand in either ruining our lives or providing us with different perspectives.

To understand how the media works, one has to be “Media Literate”. People who can acknowledge having pretty women on advertisements leads to increase consumption of the people, understand how media “hypnotizes” the consumers. Being a Media Literate means to know the cause and effect of putting something that the consumer doesn’t need into something that the consumer wants. One has to know how the media works to “control” the people around it. In the end, everyone is stuck onto knowing what is “hip” and what a “fad” is.

How we obtain Media.

We can obtain Media by the internet, TV, radio, newspapers, and magazines.

Wordle About Media and Media Literacy

These are some of the words that come to mind when we think of "Media" and being "Media Literate".

Different Types of Social Media.

We are surrounded by several types of media, Instagram, Twitter, Youtube, etc.

How we obtain Media.

We can obtain Media by the internet, TV, radio, newspapers, and magazines.

Wordle About Media and Media Literacy

These are some of the words that come to mind when we think of "Media" and being "Media Literate".

Different Types of Social Media.

We are surrounded by several types of media, Instagram, Twitter, Youtube, etc.

24 Hours Without Social Media

How does Social Media control my life? My Experience

As I notified people that I wasn’t going to be on social media for a day, I felt determined to succeed in not delving into social media’s existence. As I noticed my friends in class looking at Snapchat or Instagram, I was eager to “tap” the icons of the individually apps. I stopped, and realized how social media has a leash on me, it orders me to look at it and restrains me from not taking too much time off of it. I spent the whole school day wanting to see what everyone was up to; “What was the latest story on Snapchat? What did the people I follow post?” I was at a constant battle between myself and the little apps that whisper my name. As I returned to my home, I noticed I had formed the infamous red circular notifications on my phone. Personally, I dislike it when I have those notifications not noticed; I have to see them to have my home screen clear of any disruption. Just as I was about to nonchalantly click on the application, a red flag flashed into my head; “Don’t let it dictate you!” the little voice inside me shouted. Was I this weak to allow “social media” depict me who I was? No. I conquered the rest of the day with pride and motivation. As I finished my homework, I had time leisure time; this was when I would pull out my phone and wander around my phone, looking at what everyone in the world was doing. But, I couldn’t do that since I was proving to myself that I am worth more than that. I realized that even though I don’t use social media all the time, I like to be informed about what everyone else is doing. It was difficult when I wanted to see what my friends snap-chatted me about or when I was alone with my phone. It is fascinating and shocking to see how dependent we are to be a part of the internet realm.

Wordle

In this wordle contains words that pertain to SnapChat, Instagram, and the grasp of having social media in your life.

Snap Chat

This is one social media app where I visit the most. It is a place where you can send pictures or videos to friends and to family for a limited amount of time. I like how you can see people's stories around the world and see what is happening at this time.

Instagram

This is another social media app where I like to explore. I spend most of my time looking through the pictures/videos of the people I follow. I will like the ones I "truly" like; and once in a while I will post something that I've experienced.

Wordle

In this wordle contains words that pertain to SnapChat, Instagram, and the grasp of having social media in your life.

Snap Chat

This is one social media app where I visit the most. It is a place where you can send pictures or videos to friends and to family for a limited amount of time. I like how you can see people's stories around the world and see what is happening at this time.

Instagram

This is another social media app where I like to explore. I spend most of my time looking through the pictures/videos of the people I follow. I will like the ones I "truly" like; and once in a while I will post something that I've experienced.

Do We Instill Trust Too Much?

Do most of the articles that we read, tell the truth? Articles provide information that can be useful for our knowledge, but is it information that we can trust?

Snopes.com is a website where it "fact checks" articles that are rumored to be false or true. I came across an article on "Worms in Lipton Tea Bags" by Kim LaCapria. A female customer states that Lipton has worms in their Lemon flavored tea bags; due to the "worm-looking" ingredients that were dissected of the tea bag. The customer uploaded a video onto Facebook, and most people started to "share" the video, trying to let other people aware not to buy/drink of the Lemon flavored tea. Then, Lipton responded by saying that the "worm-like" ingredients are actually lemon flavored pieces that dissolve once in contact with water. I too, would have believed that Lipton put worms in their Lemon tea bags by the fact that the "dissolvable pieces" do look like larva. How many times do I come across articles that I believe in and check the facts? Never. I just believe in what I read, without paying much attention if the article can contain false information. I do speculate articles when the topic is something that can't be easily be determined. I search other articles that could refute or prove the facts that are present in that certain article. I think articles online are the ones that people need to be concerned of, unlike articles in newspapers, like the New York Times. Writers of newspapers need to be consistent and truthful in their articles because it will cause negative effects towards the company if any wrong or false information is said; it will make the newspaper seem unreliable. I only converse about things that are produced on known sources, like CNN, NY Times, and the local news. This is because those are places where false information isn't permitted to be produced to the public. Also, having information that is from a positive source shows intelligence in one's perspective. Don't be gullible in what everyone says, make sure that what you think you know is correct.

Half True?

This is an image on how we should question the article we read. Is it solely true, half true, or not true at all? Even things that contain facts that are true and facts that are false, the article overall is not a truthful one.

Wordle

These are words that correlate with the concept of "fact check". It consists of negative and positive connotations that describe how we feel about articles and the idea of fact checking.

Lipton Tea "Worms"

This is an image of the video of when the customer describes that those yellowish-looking things are "worms" that are contained in the Lemon flavored Lipton Tea Bags. It is an example of how sometimes are lack of education on such a topic can allow ignorance overflow our minds.

Half True?

This is an image on how we should question the article we read. Is it solely true, half true, or not true at all? Even things that contain facts that are true and facts that are false, the article overall is not a truthful one.

Wordle

These are words that correlate with the concept of "fact check". It consists of negative and positive connotations that describe how we feel about articles and the idea of fact checking.

Lipton Tea "Worms"

This is an image of the video of when the customer describes that those yellowish-looking things are "worms" that are contained in the Lemon flavored Lipton Tea Bags. It is an example of how sometimes are lack of education on such a topic can allow ignorance overflow our minds.

1984 v. Control

Is it that easy to control people? Are the things existent today help us forget what is in the present?

According to the passage in 1984, the Proles of London go through life through a scheduled "time-table". They work until they die, they pass the stage of sexual desire, they live their lives off of carefree activities, such as the TV, football, beer, etc. This passage incites the things we possess (phones, TV's,other advanced technology) helps us not pay much attention to what is currently going on with our society. As we go on social media, we get to see interesting events that happen around the world, but we may be covering up problems/issues that we may be dealing personally. People are induced in the idea of having a "reputation" on the internet, so they are constantly changing how they feel and how they represent themselves. In our society, I don't think social media or technology's main goal is to defer us from reality/ what is happening outside. We live in a world where truth is shown everywhere (in places that don't censor negative issues). We have newscast shows that informs the citizens what is happening around the world, whether it be wars, diseases, nuclear programs, etc. Yes, there are TV shows or commercials that allow us to be in a "fantasy" land, but as the general public, we can distinguish what is real versus what isn't real. Unlike us, the Proles in 1984 are brainwashed in what the Party has done; they are living in a false reality. That is why their society is a dystopia one because they lack the freedom to express their human nature feelings and they are not informed of negative stories. Most people are aware of what is happening in our world because have the right to know what is happening in our world. Today, our society does a fair job of splitting up the two "worlds"; from a fantasy land to a realistic one.

What The Party in 1984 Want You To See

In the novel the party wants you to only focus on a small part (the "positive") instead of the "bad". This pictures depicts the truth of how the government controls what the people see, so the Proles and the Party Members aren't obliged to think because they don't see the bad. The prople cannot tell what is reality from what is the truth.

Words that Relate to Control in Information

The following words are words that correlate to the negative side of not being able to know the information that triggers our thought process and words that relate to when we do know what is happening to our world. It is to show that even though the Party in 1984 want to "protect" their people, they are doing it in a negative way--which makes it a dystopian society.

Today--We are Informed of "Party Leader" Bad Side.

News Shows, like CNN talk about stories that can inspire and create hatred towards a person. This newscaster is stating how Donald Trump's radical views on Muslims is taking a down side to his repetition/political views as a candidate for president. In America, we are allow to see negative comments about "high-political" people because it is in our right to know what is going in our life--especially who is running for President for our country. Unlike the people in 1984, citizens in the modern world are able to access any negative things on a person and or object.

What The Party in 1984 Want You To See

In the novel the party wants you to only focus on a small part (the "positive") instead of the "bad". This pictures depicts the truth of how the government controls what the people see, so the Proles and the Party Members aren't obliged to think because they don't see the bad. The prople cannot tell what is reality from what is the truth.

Words that Relate to Control in Information

The following words are words that correlate to the negative side of not being able to know the information that triggers our thought process and words that relate to when we do know what is happening to our world. It is to show that even though the Party in 1984 want to "protect" their people, they are doing it in a negative way--which makes it a dystopian society.

Today--We are Informed of "Party Leader" Bad Side.

News Shows, like CNN talk about stories that can inspire and create hatred towards a person. This newscaster is stating how Donald Trump's radical views on Muslims is taking a down side to his repetition/political views as a candidate for president. In America, we are allow to see negative comments about "high-political" people because it is in our right to know what is going in our life--especially who is running for President for our country. Unlike the people in 1984, citizens in the modern world are able to access any negative things on a person and or object.

Warsaw Ghetto Uprising

Rebellion = Courage. The Uprising.

This rebellion was taken place during World War II, where Jewish people were the target for genocide. This rebellion was powerful because the Jewish prisoners revolted at a time where chaos and an inhumane ruler was leading Germany--Hitler. The aspect that they tried to make a difference when it seemed as if there was no hope, shows courage and determination to fix an issue that is killing the country. The Jews held in the Warsaw Prison rebelled due to the harsh environments they were living in. Nazi's have the ultimate power, so they would abuse and mistreat the "prisoners". The Jews believed that they had to do something to stop the abuse that was given to them. Fellow prisoners inspired one another when a fellow cell mate would disobey an officer. Their motivation to hold a rebellion came from the awe in the actions of their fellow people. The Jews started to initiate resistance and they accumulated about 1,000 people to participate in the revolt. The "prisoners" found and seized weapons to attack the soldiers. They also started fires in concentration camps to show how that they won't be equipped to stay in a place where the government traps Jews (and other minorities) in an inhumane area. In the end, the Nazi's won but it showed how brave those fighters were--they wanted to make a change in how they were living, even if they know they would die as a result. Rebellions are protests where the oppressed can fight for what they believe in and make a difference.

Wordle

This wordle contains words that depict the reality of why rebellions are held. People become greedy for power and that disfigure's their view on taking care of people. The people who hold rebellions are mostly people who want to end discrimination or to fight for their rights.

Picture of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising

This is an image of the event. You can see Nazi soldiers walking "peacefully" as buildings right next to them are on fire. Nazi's were extremely powerful since they were loyal to Hitler--the ruler of Germany during World War II.

Symbol of Rebellion

The clenched fist is a common symbol for rebellion. It resembles strength to do something that is meaningful for their country/race. When people see this symbol, it gives them determination that they can achieve what they came to do. It seems as if the picture is saying, "Let's Do This!".

Wordle

This wordle contains words that depict the reality of why rebellions are held. People become greedy for power and that disfigure's their view on taking care of people. The people who hold rebellions are mostly people who want to end discrimination or to fight for their rights.

Picture of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising

This is an image of the event. You can see Nazi soldiers walking "peacefully" as buildings right next to them are on fire. Nazi's were extremely powerful since they were loyal to Hitler--the ruler of Germany during World War II.

Symbol of Rebellion

The clenched fist is a common symbol for rebellion. It resembles strength to do something that is meaningful for their country/race. When people see this symbol, it gives them determination that they can achieve what they came to do. It seems as if the picture is saying, "Let's Do This!".

Who is the 1984 Version of Edward Snowden?

Winston is Like Edward Snowden.

Winston is a version of Edward Snowden. Edward Snowden use to work for the NSA; he was an analyst there. According to the TED Talk, Mr. Snowden started to discover "disturbing" information related to surveillance. The NSA was able to hack into one's "telecommunications" to observe what one was doing. Mr. Snowden felt the need to protect the public's rights; so he leaked private information to journalists, so they can publish it. His company called him a "whistleblower" and a "traitor", while others called him a "hero". After working for a company he felt as passion, later concluded that he ended his work to have a better conscious. Like Mr. Snowden, Winston works for the Party who makes him alter history in text. When Winston saw evidence that the Party was lying about events/people (the 2 traitors who were suppose to be in Eurasia were actually in New York), he started to question the Party's motives. Winston started to rebel against the Party by thinking, writing in a diary, having emotional feelings towards Julia, and escaping to Mr. Charrington's shop. Winston was called upon the Brotherhood to expose the Party's corrupt ways; he will do anything for the help of the future. Unlike Winston, Mr. Snowden had the freedom of speech; so he wouldn't be "vaporized" for saying negative things about NSA. Mr. Snowden has that luxury to think what he can think, while Winston is between life and death if he were to openly express his feelings. These men's goal was to do the right thing for the citizens; for them to be informed of what they are giving involuntary consent to.

1984

In 1984 , a character named Winston is a mellowed-down version of Edward Snowden. Winston believes that the Party's motives are wrong and their philosophies should be exposed to the world. To be "down with Big Brother".

Wordle

These are words that reflect what Mr. Snowden and Winston did. It shows reasons why those two men did what they did and it shows reasons why the government is wrong.

Edward Snowden

This is a picture of Mr. Snowden. After his incident of exposing "top-secret" files to the public, he is now in a isolate place in Russia. He left NSA because he believed it was incorrect for a company to know what people in the world are doing by spying through cameras.

1984

In 1984 , a character named Winston is a mellowed-down version of Edward Snowden. Winston believes that the Party's motives are wrong and their philosophies should be exposed to the world. To be "down with Big Brother".

Wordle

These are words that reflect what Mr. Snowden and Winston did. It shows reasons why those two men did what they did and it shows reasons why the government is wrong.

Edward Snowden

This is a picture of Mr. Snowden. After his incident of exposing "top-secret" files to the public, he is now in a isolate place in Russia. He left NSA because he believed it was incorrect for a company to know what people in the world are doing by spying through cameras.

Winston's and O'Brien's Fate in 1984

Is Winston a victim of the government or will he be a villain for the government? How about O'Brien?

Ever since Winston entered the prison, he tried to restrain from giving in to the Party. Winston has endured physical and emotional abuse for a long duration before he gave in. O'Brien asked Winston if he considered himself a man and Winston said that "[he is] superior [to the Party]" (270). Since he has the mindset of the drive for "human spirit" (270), Winston believes that there is hope in overthrowing the Party; reflecting how he will be a victim of the Party. Winston accepts the fact that it is useless to rebel against the Party; "but he still hated the Party" (280). Winston will die in Room 101 because it contains your deepest fear, to the extent that the skull face man said that he would rather the guards kill his family than to enter the room. On the other hand, O'Brien is a villain for the government. When he told Winston the true purpose of the Party is to gain power and just solely for power; O'Brien believes in this when he said he tortures Winston because he wants to torture Winston. Winston states this, "[how can I win] against the lunatic who is more intelligent than [I]?" (262). Even Winston knows that O'Brien is "in love" with the government. O'Brien is already executing heinous acts towards Winston; to benefit the Party. The Party's goal is for everyone to put their love towards Big Brother and O'Brien is doing just that he is making Winston "...love Big Brother. It is not enough to obey him; you must love him" (282). People who work for the Party are designed to torture others to transform the people to robots for the Party. Winston and O'Brien's fate will be revealed in the next few chapters.

Victim

Most victims are abused mentally and or physically. This is a picture of what Winston will become because of the government. Right now, Winston is starting to believe in the fallacy the Party has provided. In 1984 Winston is beaten to the point of him wanting to commit suicide.

Uncertain Future

This picture of a question mark shows that my predictions in the paragraph above could be false or could be truth. I am basing my thoughts with evidence in the book that could lead to Winston being a victim and O'Brien being a villain. There is no certainty what the future will hold, so I must expect the unexpected.

Villain

Villains are keen, smart, and sneaky. O'Brien shows characteristic of a villainous character throughout the book; torturing Winston for pure torture and inflicting false truths for Winston to believe because it benefits the Party. O'Brien has a mentality of a villain; since most often villains are crazy in an idea or leader.

Victim

Most victims are abused mentally and or physically. This is a picture of what Winston will become because of the government. Right now, Winston is starting to believe in the fallacy the Party has provided. In 1984 Winston is beaten to the point of him wanting to commit suicide.

Uncertain Future

This picture of a question mark shows that my predictions in the paragraph above could be false or could be truth. I am basing my thoughts with evidence in the book that could lead to Winston being a victim and O'Brien being a villain. There is no certainty what the future will hold, so I must expect the unexpected.

Villain

Villains are keen, smart, and sneaky. O'Brien shows characteristic of a villainous character throughout the book; torturing Winston for pure torture and inflicting false truths for Winston to believe because it benefits the Party. O'Brien has a mentality of a villain; since most often villains are crazy in an idea or leader.

1984: Theme 101: A Person's Perception of Reality is Only What the Party says it is.

How does this quote below relate to the theme above?

In the novel 1984, the government controls the thoughts and actions of the people so that the people can become loyal to the Party; "Reality exists in the human mind, and nowhere else. Not in the individual mind, which can make mistakes, and in any case soon perishes: only in the mind of the Party, which is collective and immortal" (249). This quote reflects how the Party wants the people to become enslaved to the Party's rules and ideas. Torture is given to the people who "rebel" in order to transform their minds for the benefit of the Party. The Party is afraid of human emotions; having the knowledge of fear, love, happiness, etc. It is because the human mind can defect against the Party and not conform to the rules; if people started to act with their will, the Party will fail. To have the ability to alter the minds of people, one is able to put their ideas into everyone else's perspective. Whenever the citizens have memories or flashbacks, those thoughts must be positive of the Party, if not then your mind would be considered psychotic. The idea of the people's perception of reality is only what the Party says, is accumulated in many different ways.

Semester Reflection

How Did I Change Throughout This Course?

My views on Media Literacy have stayed constant but deepened with a personal meaning. I used to think that I wasn’t a part of the generation that was “addicted” to technology; but I am realizing that I am showing some characteristics. The media is a clever thing; it can manipulate you when you least expect it to. I learned that I must control my obsession with having my phone constantly near me; I am not “big” with social media, but I do check it once in a while. Taking this class allowed me to have self-reflection in my health; am I becoming too dependent on an item that doesn’t truly make me “connected” with my family and friends? Compared to other Language Arts class, Media Literacy is one class that I had to think for myself. In other classes you would have to read literature text, historic events, and the lives of people in the past; Media Literacy concentrates on how you can become Media Literate. This class deepened my perspective on the usage of my phone; why do I let such a thing dictate my life? We did a lot of activities on how humanity has been lowered, by mainly doing Smores and Socratic seminars. But, I would like to see a personal project in the future; where you have to vlog on your 24/7 life without the use of your phone (walking at a park, watching Netflix, etc.). I feel this could help diagnose people who may seem they are independent from their phone, but truly are dependent. Media Literacy educated me in how the source of Media can isolate people from reality; don’t let a piece of metal govern your youthful life!

Isolation

Isolation can happen when one becomes too dependent on using his/her technology. At this stage, people show withdrawal signs when they aren't able to be near their mobile devices. It is ironic to see that phones are meant for us to be connected with each other, but if we use it too much then it can deter us from human interaction. We should all asks ourselves, if it is worth it to ruin relationships just because you want to "hang out" with your phone more?

Wordle

This worldle contains words that make us dependent of our technology and also words that pertain to be independent. Having an appropriate amounts of everything is the key to balancing your life; not to become greedy. It is important for us to be connected with each other, but in a way that we can sense each other's emotions without deciphering abbreviations or emojis.

Reflect

During this course I had time to reflect on my way of living; am I being too caught up on celebrity news and or checking updates? I must alleviate this stress by putting myself in a situation without any technology in the room; I take turns restricting myself to how many times I can check my phone. You need peace in your life and allowing your phone to die is a good way to reflect on that idea. Having the time to put aside your distractions is a good way to meditate and relax your nerves; decreasing the potential of becoming a phone addict.

Isolation

Isolation can happen when one becomes too dependent on using his/her technology. At this stage, people show withdrawal signs when they aren't able to be near their mobile devices. It is ironic to see that phones are meant for us to be connected with each other, but if we use it too much then it can deter us from human interaction. We should all asks ourselves, if it is worth it to ruin relationships just because you want to "hang out" with your phone more?

Wordle

This worldle contains words that make us dependent of our technology and also words that pertain to be independent. Having an appropriate amounts of everything is the key to balancing your life; not to become greedy. It is important for us to be connected with each other, but in a way that we can sense each other's emotions without deciphering abbreviations or emojis.

Reflect

During this course I had time to reflect on my way of living; am I being too caught up on celebrity news and or checking updates? I must alleviate this stress by putting myself in a situation without any technology in the room; I take turns restricting myself to how many times I can check my phone. You need peace in your life and allowing your phone to die is a good way to reflect on that idea. Having the time to put aside your distractions is a good way to meditate and relax your nerves; decreasing the potential of becoming a phone addict.

Prince Ea's Take on Social Media

Does social media truly make us "connected"?

There are 7 billion people on this planet. We become aware of each individual’s society by the use of social media and advanced technology. The technology that we use today has the label of “connecting people around the world”, but in reality, it disconnects us with people around the world. Prince Ea reflects this statement by providing a real life example of him wanting to meet up with his friend face-to-face, but his friend said, “What time do you want to Skype?” We must all come together to face this issue of not wanting to have physical interactions with one another; we would rather send love emojis than hug the person that we love. Our world is transforming from a high-tech society into a society where lack of physical altercation is the norm. In order for our future to be somewhat fortunate, we must decide to put down our devices at appropriate times; no more texting someone in the same room, no more vigorous gaming, and more proximity in physical interference, more laughter that fills an entire room. Being addicted to social media can be fixed; you must be the one who wants to change. You must also realize that social media is affecting your ability to communicate to people in your tongue. Having the willpower to overcome this addiction shows a happier ending for yourself and for the people around you. Social media does help us know the news across oceans, but it doesn’t mean to give your identity to keep up with this fast-growing society. I am going to take steps at a time; the more frequently you do something, you’ll begin to create a habit. I will communicate to the world that I am going to take a break from social media; it will include the positives of my “isolation” and motivational quotes/pictures for people to follow. It would be great to know that I made an impact on someone’s life; making he or she realize the beauty in looking up from his or her screen. I believe we can “auto-correct humanity” only if we are all willing to come together as a society to change our 24/7 imprisonment of our technology.